New coastal ambassador for Maine's aquaculture community

Maine's aquaculture sector is set to further strengthen its ties with local coastal communities, with the news that the Maine Aquaculture Association (MAA) has appointed experienced fisheries and aquaculture professional Katherine (Kat) Lipp as its new Community Engagement Coordinator.

Lipp's new role is designed to bolster the relationship between sea farmers and the coastal communities they serve.

MAA describes the new position as "vital to MAA’s ongoing efforts to support sea farmers in becoming successful business owners, stewards of the environment, and valued additions to the working waterfront".

"The position of Community Engagement Coordinator is being funded by FocusMaine and World Wildlife Fund; both organizations are committed to advocating for Maine's aquaculture industry and improving social license," said Trixie Betz, Outreach and Development Specialist at the MAA.

Lipp’s primary focus will be on creating a coastal ambassador network and developing social license training for aquaculture growers, building the the informal, ongoing community support necessary for the success of aquaculture projects under Maine’s leasing system.

This initiative is crucial, as securing a social license requires significant community engagement, which is essential for receiving approval from the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) and operating sustainably.

“Misinformation about aquaculture can lead to division on the waterfront and jeopardize the livelihoods of both sea farmers and commercial fishermen,” Betz explained.

“These farmers play a vital role in our working waterfronts and local economies by creating jobs and producing food sustainably. They should not have to spend their time debunking myths to gain community support. Mainers deserve accurate information as the industry grows," she added.

Lipp brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having previously worked in a variety of fisheries and aquaculture-related roles, including as a fisheries observer and sockeye salmon net-setter in Alaska, and operations manager at Salmon Sisters in Homer, Alaska.

Most recently, Lipp completed the first aquaculture apprenticeship in the U.S., with over 2,000 hours of hands-on training at Mere Point Oyster Co. in Brunswick, Maine, and 144 hours of technical coursework through Southern Maine Community College.

According to MAA, "her deep understanding of working waterfronts and her natural ability to connect with people makes her an ideal fit for this role".

“I am thrilled to join the MAA team and support our hardworking network of farmers. With my background in both aquaculture and wild fisheries, I am confident in my ability to foster strategic relationships and promote responsible stewardship of our marine spaces," Lipp said.

A recent MAA survey reveals strong support for aquaculture in Maine, with 83% of residents familiar with the industry backing its growth. The survey also indicates that understanding aquaculture correlates with greater support, highlighting the importance of education and accurate information.

The new Ambassador Program aims to address these needs by equipping growers, fishermen, and coastal residents with the skills necessary for meaningful public engagement.

The program has already received praise and backing from local industry leaders. “This program fills a critical gap in communication and mentoring opportunities at the community level. It is essential for preventing and correcting misunderstandings about sea farming," said Fiona de Koning of Hollander & De Koning Mussels.

Meanwhile, Alicia Gaiero, owner of Nauti Sisters Sea Farm in Yarmouth, emphasized the program’s importance for young oyster growers: “As growers, it’s on us to earn the trust of the communities where we farm, and the MAA is here to support us. By fostering transparency and mutual respect, we’re strengthening the very fabric of our local communities. This initiative is a game-changer for sustainable growth and community collaboration.”